2025 CPT code 31899
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System Surgery Feed
Unlisted procedure of the trachea and/or bronchi.
Modifiers may apply depending on the circumstances of the service.Consult the CPT manual for guidance on appropriate modifiers.
The medical necessity of the procedure must be clearly documented, showing that the service was reasonable and necessary for the patient's diagnosis and treatment.The documentation must justify the use of an unlisted code over a more specific code if one exists.
The physician performs a complex or unusual procedure on the trachea and/or bronchi not covered by other CPT codes. This requires detailed documentation to justify medical necessity and appropriate reimbursement.
In simple words: This code is used when a doctor performs a procedure on the windpipe or bronchial tubes (airways to the lungs) that doesn't have its own specific medical billing code.Extra paperwork explaining the procedure is needed to get paid.
This code reports a procedure performed on the trachea and/or bronchi that does not have a specific CPT code.It should only be used when no other CPT code accurately describes the service provided.Detailed documentation, including a comparison to similar codes and justification for the billing amount, must accompany claims using this code.
Example 1: A surgeon performs a novel technique for repairing a complex tracheal injury not previously described in the CPT manual., A pulmonologist uses a newly developed device to remove a foreign body lodged deep within the bronchi, requiring a method not captured by existing codes., An otolaryngologist performs a unique reconstructive procedure on the trachea following a traumatic injury, requiring specialized surgical techniques not found in the standard CPT codes.
* Detailed operative report with step-by-step description of the procedure.* Preoperative and postoperative diagnoses.* Justification for using unlisted code 31899.* Comparison to similar, existing CPT codes, explaining why these codes are not appropriate.* Illustrations or photographs if appropriate.* Complete anesthesia record.* Pathology report (if applicable).* Documentation supporting medical necessity.
** This code requires extensive documentation to support reimbursement.Failure to provide adequate documentation may result in claim denial. Always verify payer-specific policies and guidelines before submitting claims using this code.
- Revenue Code: P1G (MAJOR PROCEDURE - OTHER)
- RVU: Unknown. RVUs will vary depending on the specific procedure performed and payer.
- Global Days : Unknown. The global period will vary depending on the specific procedure and payer policies.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: The applicability of a TC modifier depends on the specific components of the procedure and should be determined based on payer guidelines.
- Fee Schedule : Fee schedules vary widely based on payer, location, and the specific procedure.No specific historical fee schedule is available for this unlisted code.
- Specialties:Pulmonology, Otolaryngology, Thoracic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgery Center, Office